Update: Leigh Brackett

June 30, 2006 -------------------------------------- "The Ark Of Mars" (exp. into "Alpha Centauri or Die!") © Planet Stories, Sep 1953 novel: Ace Double, 1963 --/ fourth place space sf novella --/ wonder award: last manned spaceship --/ adventure award: ark of adventurers --/ emotion award: last stand against machines The last manned spaceship is launched by free men, hunted by sinister robotic spaceships; great adventure and atmosphere; the first part (chase to the nearest star) simply sizzles, desperation mixes with hope, great emotion there. The second part after the landing is a bit of a let-down, but still contains big depictions of truly alien mind processes, cuddly ESP alien herd, and pretty cool people politics. Solid novella, enjoyed it. review: 30-Jun-06 (read in 2006) -------------------------------------- "Alpha Centauri or Die!" (nv) (exp. from "The Ark of Mars") © Planet Stories, Sep 1953 novel: Ace Double, 1963 --/ cool space sf novel --/ wonder award --/ adventure award --/ emotion award I am not sure in what way the original story "The Ark of Mars" (see review) got expanded into a novel - maybe the psychedelic esp cuddly aliens got added - but the overall impression now is of conflict between technology (robotic spaceships) and nature - and the final wish is "to live in peace" - overall a harmonious whole. Brackett at a good example of her more-feminine style of writing. Still, the first part of a novel (and a shorter novella) has way better suspense. + Holds the dubious award of one of the silliest titles for a good novel in sf. review: 30-Jun-06 (read in 2006) ---------------------------------------------- "The Beast-Jewel of Mars" © Planet Stories, Win 1948 The Coming of the Terrans, 1967 --/ fourth place space sf novella --/ wonder award --/ adventure award --/ style award Classic stuff, look at the cover on the left! Great for espresso reading. After reading such novellas, the good cloud lingers in the mind. review: 30-Jun-06 (read in 1992) ----------------------------------------------

Click to go to "Dark Roasted Blend" site